Theories of sociology:
Sociological Theories
A sociological theory is a set of ideas that provides an explanation for human society. Theories are selective in terms
of their priorities and perspectives and the data they define as significant. As a result they provide a particular and
partial view of reality. Sociological theories can be grouped together according to a variety of criteria. The most
important of these is the distinction between Structural and Social action theories.
Structural, or macro perspectives analyses the way society as a whole fits together. Structural theory sees society as a
system of relationships that creates the structure of the society in which we live. It is this structure that determines our
lives and characters. Structured sets of social relationships are the 'reality' that lie below the appearance of 'the free
individual' of western individualism. Structuralism focuses on the particular set of 'structural laws' that apply in any
one society.
1. Symbolic Interaction Theory
The symbolic interaction perspective, also called symbolic interactions, is a major framework of sociological theory. This
perspective relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction.
2. Conflict Theory
Conflict theory emphasizes the role of coercion (force) and power in producing social order. This perspective is derived
from the works of Karl Marx, who saw society as fragmented into groups that compete for social and economic
resources. Social order is maintained by domination, with power in the hands of those with the greatest political,
economic, and social resources.
3. Functionalist Theory
The functionalist perspective, also called functionalism, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology. It has its
origins in the works of Emile Durkheim, who was especially interested in how social order is possible or how society
remains relatively stable.
4. Feminist Theory
Feminist theory is one of the major contemporary sociological theories, which analyzes the status of women and men in
society with the purpose of using that knowledge to better women's lives. Feminist theory is most concerned with giving a
voice to women and highlighting the various ways women have contributed to society.
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5. Critical Theory
Critical theory is a type of social theory oriented toward critiquing and changing society as a whole, in
contrast(difference) to traditional theory oriented only to understanding or explaining it. Critical theories aim to dig
beneath the surface of social life and uncover the assumptions that keep us from a full and true understanding of how the
world works.
6. Labeling Theory
Labeling theory is one of the most important approaches to understanding deviant and criminal behavior. It begins with
the assumption that no act is intrinsically(basically) criminal. Definitions of criminality are established by those in power
through the formulation of laws and the interpretation of those laws by police, courts, and correctional institutions.
7. Social Learning Theory
Social learning theory is a theory that attempts to explain socialization and its effect of the development of the self. It
looks at the individual learning process, the formation of self, and the influence of society in socializing individuals.
Social learning theory is commonly used by sociologists to explain deviance and crime.
8. Structural Strain Theory
Robert K. Merton developed the structural strain theory as an extension of the functionalist perspective on deviance. This
theory traces the origins of deviance to the tensions that are caused by the gap between cultural goals and the means
people have available to achieve those goals.
9. Rational Choice Theory
Economics plays a huge role in human behavior. That is, people are often motivated by money and the possibility of
making a profit, calculating the likely costs and benefits of any action before deciding what to do. This way of thinking is
called rational choice theory.
10. Game Theory
Game theory is a theory of social interaction, which attempts to explain the interaction people have with one another. As
the name of the theory suggests, game theory sees human interaction as just that: a game.
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